Clout St

• Kirk turns down a notch on prison-terrorist comments

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 12:55 p.m. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk turned down the rhetoric today on Democratic-backed plans to use the largely vacant Thomson Correctional Center to house suspected terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, saying he...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 23, 2009, 12:58pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Stroger again vetoes sales tax rollback

  Posted by Robert Becker at 12:30 p.m. Less than a week after the Cook County Board voted yet again to roll back a portion of the county sales tax, Board President Todd Stroger today delivered again on his promise to...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 23, 2009, 12:31pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• McKenna's misleading campaign ad on Quinn

  UPDATED AT 2:20 p.m.; originally posted by Rick Pearson at 10:30 a.m. Republican governor candidate Andy McKenna has launched a new television ad that accuses Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn of hiding the truth and lists the Chicago Tribune as attribution,...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 23, 2009, 10:36am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Chicago zoning inspector in kickback case back at work

  From today's print edition: By Todd Lighty Tribune Reporter A politically connected zoning investigator has returned to work at City Hall barely a week after he admitted to accepting bribes of cash and gifts to repeatedly overlook zoning violations. William...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 22, 2009, 12:01am EST
  by Newsdesk

• White House estimates as many as 3,000 jobs if Guantanamo Bay detainees are moved to Illinois prison

  Posted by Christi Parsons at 2:25 p.m.; last updated at 5:30 p.m. with Kirk, Durbin remarks WASHINGTON --- A federal takeover of the Thomson Correctional Center would create almost 3,000 jobs --- almost half of which could go to northwest...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 21, 2009, 2:29pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• State gets $500,000 to help connect military veterans with jobs

  Posted by John Byrne and Monique Garcia at 5:30 p.m. The state will use a $500,000 federal grant to expand a program aimed at linking veterans with jobs when they return home from deployment. The grant is part of the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 20, 2009, 5:30pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn signs bill to get more federal money for health care

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 1:15 p.m. Gov. Pat Quinn signed a measure into law today to capture additional federal money to pay down the state's massive backlog of health care bills. The legislation is one piece of a larger...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 20, 2009, 1:15pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Ethics panel admonishes Burris over Senate appointment

  From the Breaking News Center: WASHINGTON -- Sen. Roland Burris was rebuked today by the Senate Ethics Committee, which issued him a "public letter of qualified admonition" for his actions in connection with his appointment by disgraced former Gov. Rod...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 20, 2009, 1:09pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Friday Illinois political docket: Quinn to sign Medicaid legislation

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's going on Friday in Illinois politics: *Gov. Pat Quinn will pick up endorsements from Latino leaders at a morning news conference. *From there, Quinn plans to sign a measure...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 20, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Cook County Board passes budget with no tax increases

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 10:32 p.m. The Cook County Board tonight passed a $3 billion budget for next year that holds the line on taxes.The spending plan commissioners signed off on at a special meeting includes a recently-approved cut...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 19, 2009, 10:32pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Chicago City Council uses stealth payroll for family, operatives, those with heat

  From today's print edition: Friends & family fund for Chicago aldermen Shadowy $1.3 million payroll helps them get around ban on patronage hiring By Hal Dardick and Ellen Gabler TRIBUNE REPORTERS As City Hall struggles to pay for basic services,...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 19, 2009, 8:50am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Thursday Illinois political docket: Daley at domestic violence summit, Quinn picks up endorsements

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at the Illinois political scene on Thursday: *Mayor Richard Daley is scheduled to attend a morning domestic violence summit at a downtown hotel and an evening reception for the United Negro...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 19, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Caught driving without a license in Chicago? Get ready to pay $665

  Posted by John Byrne at 3:19 p.m. Billing it as a public safety issue, Chicago aldermen today approved a measure requiring the impounding of cars where the driver was found to have a suspended or revoked license. But there's also...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 3:19pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Chicago aldermen approve resolution aimed at helping student avoid deportation

  Posted by John Byrne at 2:15 p.m. The Chicago City Council today approved a resolution urging passage of federal legislation that would allow some undocumented immigrant students to earn conditional residency. The local tie to the issue is the case...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 2:14pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Daley defends Scott's credit card use, blasts medical examiner

  Posted by Hal Dardick and Azam Ahmed at 1:35 p.m.; last updated at 4:27 p.m. with medical examiner response Mayor Richard Daley today defended Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott's use of a school district credit card to pay...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 1:36pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Democratic governor debate: Gov. Pat Quinn says 'missions accomplished' as Hynes rips 'flip flops'

  Posted by Rick Pearson and David Heinzmann at 10:10 a.m.; updated at 12:19 p.m. Gov. Pat Quinn declared his days are filled with “missions accomplished” on issues such as ethics reform and job creation at a debate today, but rival...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:11am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Wednesday Illinois political docket: Daley budget hearing, Democratic governor forums

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's going on in Illinois politics Wednesday: *If you want to sound off on Mayor Richard Daley's proposed budget for next year, today's your chance. The Chicago City Council meets...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• New state law requires bus drivers to check for children at end of trip

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 3:40 p.m. Illinois school bus drivers are now required to conduct inspections of their vehicles at the end of each trip to make sure children aren't left on board after Gov. Pat Quinn signed a...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:39pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• How Cook County Board voted on sales tax cut

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 3:01 p.m. Cook County commissioners voted yet again today to roll back part of the sales tax increase that Board President Todd Stroger pushed through in February 2008. Here's how the 17 commissioners voted: Yes...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:01pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Cook County commissioners vote to cut in half Stroger sales tax increase

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 12:45 p.m. Emboldened by a new state law, the Cook County Board today voted 12-5 to reduce the county sales tax by a half-cent. Today's vote is the latest development in a political struggle between...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 12:45pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Mayor Richard Daley mourns loss of trusted ally Michael Scott

  Posted by John Byrne at 11:10 a.m. The apparent suicide of Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott deserves a thorough investigation, Mayor Richard Daley said today, adding that it would do his longtime friend a disservice to imply he...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 11:13am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Suspended motorists caught driving in Chicago could have cars impounded

  Posted by John Byrne at 9:53 a.m. Drivers caught behind the wheel with a suspended or revoked license would have their cars impounded under a proposed ordinance the City Council's Police and Traffic Committee approved today. "We have people whose...

  
  

  '" [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 9:54am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Tuesday's Illinois political docket

  Posted by Tribune staff at 7:30 a.m. Here’s a look at what’s on Illinois’ political docket for Tuesday. * Cook County commissioners plan to try again today to rollback the controversial penny-on-a-dollar sales tax championed by Board President Todd Stroger,...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 7:30am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Robert Blagojevich to seek separate trial from brother

  From today's print edition: Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, indicted with five others on sweeping corruption charges in April, could be going to trial next year by himself. An attorney for Blagojevich's brother, Robert, said Monday that he would seek a...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 12:56am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Prison debate plays straight into 2010 Illinois election

  Posted by Monique Garcia and Kristen Schorsch at 5:52 p.m. While federal officials today toured a near-vacant state prison in northwest Illinois that could be used to house suspected terrorists, Democrats and Republicans waged a fierce public relations battle pitting...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 16, 2009, 5:53pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn and Hynes hit hard at Rockford forum

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 7:58 p.m. ROCKFORD—Gov. Pat Quinn accused Comptroller Dan Hynes of crying "crocodile tears" over billions of dollars in unpaid state bills, while Hynes called Quinn the "lead cheerleader" for Rod Blagojevich during a combative debate...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 15, 2009, 8:01pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Mayor Richard Daley: We've cleaned up city hiring and court oversight should end

  Posted by John Byrne at 12:51 p.m. Mayor Richard Daley said today that his administration has taken sufficient steps to reform its hiring to end federal court oversight of its personnel practices.City Hall's top lawyer told aldermen this week that...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 14, 2009, 12:51pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk no Gitmo transfer to western Illinois prison

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 12:25 p.m. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk is circulating a letter among the state’s congressional delegation and state officials urging the White House not to transfer suspected terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to the little-used...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 14, 2009, 12:28pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Republican Senate candidate Mark Kirk blasts Democratic health bill in national radio address

  Enclosure: [download]

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 5 a.m. Five-term Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park delivered the national weekly Republican address today, blasting the Democratic-led House passage of a health-care reform package that he said does little to rein in costs...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 14, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Near-empty Illinois prison a contender to house terror suspects

  From the print edition: Illinois the next Gitmo? TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE: Near-empty prison a leading contender to house terror suspects By Christi Parsons Tribune newspapers A near-empty prison in rural Illinois has emerged as "a leading option" to house suspected terrorists...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 14, 2009, 12:16am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Daley defends special taxing districts as he opens restored North Side bridge

  Posted by John Byrne at 3:55 p.m. Mayor Richard Daley today used the opening of a renovated bridge on the North Side to decry critics of special taxing districts, defending the programs as one of the few tools to help...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 3:54pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants federal corruption trial moved to heart of campaign season

  From the Breaking News Center: Lawyers for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich are seeking to delay the start of his trial next summer, court records show. The attorneys want the the trial moved from June to September to give them time...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 12:20pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants federal corruption trial moved to thick of campaign season

  From the Breaking News Center: Lawyers for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich are seeking to delay the start of his trial next summer, court records show. The attorneys want the the trial moved from June to September to give them time...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 12:20pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Recession allows City Hall to drop hourly rates paid to outside lawyers

  Posted by Todd Lighty at 6 a.m. William Shakespeare famously suggested in Henry VI (Part 2) that, “The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.” Well, maybe not so fast. The current Great Recession has led to a...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 6:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Stroger rehires county commissioner's brother as primary election looms

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 5:45 a.m. Two months ago, Cook County Board President Todd Stroger fired the brother of a wayward political ally from a high paying patronage job. Now that politically connected sibling is back on the county...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 5:45am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Friday Illinois political docket: Quinn gets Gutierrez endorsement

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's going on in Illinois politics Friday: *Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn is scheduled to collect the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez this morning. Gutierrez is a key Latino leader....

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Republican senator, Democratic community activist win top spots on Feb. 2 governor primary ballot

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 5:11 p.m.; updated at 11:46 p.m. Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale and Democratic community activist William “Dock” Walls each won the top spot on the Feb. 2 primary ballots for governor in a...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 5:11pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Daley's lawyer says city will seek to end court oversight on personnel

  Posted by Todd Lighty at 4:04 p.m.; updated at 7:02 p.m. Mayor Richard Daley's administration believes it has cleaned up the city's corrupt hiring system and early next year will seek to end court oversight of its personnel practices, his...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 4:03pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Republican governor candidate Jim Ryan apologizes for his handling of Rolando Cruz prosecution

  Posted Rick Pearson at 3:55 p.m.; last updated at 5:15 p.m. with link to WGN radio interview Republican governor candidate Jim Ryan today said he was “sorry” for his repeated wrongful death-penalty prosecutions in the killing of Jeanine Nicarico and...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 3:55pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Daley will pay drivers OT this winter to plow side streets after city failed to attract private company for the work

  Posted by John Byrne at 1:30 p.m.; updated at 5:01 p.m. with overtime information The city of Chicago will pay Streets and Sanitation snowplow drivers overtime this winter after failing to find a private firm to clear side streets. In...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 1:26pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• House Republican Leader Tom Cross backs Andy McKenna for governor

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 1:10 p.m. Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross endorsed Andy McKenna for governor today, saying the former state GOP chairman is part of a “new generation of leaders” that would reverse the effects of the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 1:07pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• City Council panel approves Daley's inspector general nominee

  Posted by John Byrne at 11:07 a.m. A federal prosecutor nominated to be Chicago's next inspector general told aldermen today that "there are still significant pockets of fraud and corruption in city government." Joseph Ferguson also applauded Mayor Richard Daley...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 11:09am EST
  by Newsdesk

• CTA board approves budget with no fare increases but service cuts

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 10:59 a.m.; last updated at 3:25 p.m. with Daley comments Chicago Transit Authority leaders today approved a new budget that does not increase bus and train fares but results in service cuts and layoffs. The...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 10:59am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Thursday Illinois political docket: Daley talks about snow removal, CTA to vote on service cuts

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's on Thursday's Illinois political docket: *Mayor Richard Daley holds a mid-morning news conference to talk about the city’s preparations for winter weather. The big question may be how the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Daley marks Veterans Day with Soldier Field wreath laying

  Posted by John Byrne at 2:15 p.m. Chicago leaders marked Veterans Day with a ceremony at Soldier Field that included the laying of a wreath at a statue remembering World War I. About 200 or so people gathered at the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 11, 2009, 2:21pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn floats plan to help cash-strapped CTA

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 1:35 p.m.; last updated at 3:15 p.m. Chicago Transit Authority officials agreed today to not raise fares for two years in return for limited state help that won't be enough to avoid service cuts next...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 11, 2009, 1:38pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Is Kirk leaning to right in Senate bid? He says 'I am who I am'

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 1:03 p.m. Despite his recent request for help from Sarah Palin and renouncing his past support of cap-and-trade legislation, Republican U.S. Senate contender Mark Kirk denied today he was moving to the right to try...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 11, 2009, 1:04pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn says supporters may have filed petition challenge

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 12:45 p.m. Gov. Pat Quinn today acknowledged that some of his supporters may be behind a challenge to knock a Democratic rival off the primary ballot, a day after saying he didn't know whether his...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 11, 2009, 12:47pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Wednesday Illinois political docket: Quinn transit announcement, Veterans Day ceremonies

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's going on in Illinois politics today: *Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to hold an afternoon news conference with transit officials today to talk about the funding shortfall at the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 11, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• State, RTA reach deal to avoid fare hikes for disabled riders

  Posted by Richard Wronski and Hal Dardick at 9:15 p.m. As many as 40,000 disabled riders could avoid further fare increases after the state and the Regional Transportation Authority agreed on ways to find more money for paratransit services. The...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 9:19pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn won't say if he's behind effort to remove only African-American candidate from governor's contest?

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 8:09 p.m. Gov. Pat Quinn vowed transparency when he succeeded the disgraced Rod Blagojevich as the state's chief executive, but today neither Quinn nor his campaign would discuss whether they're behind the effort to remove...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 8:08pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Aldermen, transportation officials debate safety of 'Don't Walk' timers at red-light camera intersections

  Posted by John Byrne at 7:01 p.m. A fundamental disagreement surfaced Tuesday at City Hall about whether "Don't Walk" signs that give pedestrians and drivers a countdown improve safety at traffic signals with red-light cameras. City transportation officials told aldermen...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 7:01pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• New state veterans' home to be built on Northwest Side

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 2:57 p.m. Construction will begin early next year on a center to house elderly and disabled veterans on the city's Northwest Side, Gov. Pat Quinn announced today. The $65 million Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 3:00pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Abortion rights group, Senate candidate Kirk spar on vote

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 2:10 p.m. A leading abortion rights group delivered a rebuke to Republican U.S. Senate contender Mark Kirk today for supporting an amendment to the House-passed health care reform legislation that would prevent taxpayer-backed insurance policies...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 2:12pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Tuesday Illinois political docket: Quinn announces veterans' home

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. Here's a look at the Illinois political docket today: * Gov. Pat Quinn announces plan for the new Illinois veterans' home in Chicago, with a bevy of state and local politicians, union leaders...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Meister Senate ad says economy trumps corruption

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 7:15 p.m. The campaign of Chicago attorney and Democratic Senate candidate Jacob Meister said it began airing one-minute TV ads in central Illinois today in which he contends that helping the economy and creating jobs...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 7:16pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Hynes challenges Scanlan petitions in Democratic governor primary

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 7:05 p.m. Comptroller Dan Hynes’ campaign for the Feb. 2 Democratic nomination for governor is backing a challenge to the petitions filed by Oak Park trial attorney Edmund Scanlan, a political newcomer who got into...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 7:06pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• State treasurer extends loan program for returning soldiers

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 12:10 p.m. Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias today announced the expansion of a state-run borrowing program that would provide short-term, low-interest loans to military personnel returning from deployment. The treasurer's office will partner with banks across...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 12:10pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Congressman Davis drops run for Cook County president

  UPDATED AT 7:25 p.m. Brown and Stroger petitions challenged; originally posted by Robert Becker at 10:20 a.m. Veteran U.S. Rep. Danny Davis today dropped his bid to challenge Cook County Board President Todd Stroger and said he will seek re-election...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 10:20am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Hoffman camp apologizes to Giannoulias, but wants debates

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 9:20 a.m. Democratic Senate contender David Hoffman has apologized to rival Alexi Giannoulias for an accusation that Giannoulias broke a pledge by accepting campaign cash from a corporate banking interest. But Hoffman also used the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 9:21am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Durbin says health-care bill faces challenge in Senate

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 3:15 p.m. Sen. Dick Durbin said today Senate Democrats have significant concerns about the health care plan passed by the Democratic-led House and while they have the votes to get the issue to the floor...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 08, 2009, 3:16pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn to sign Cook County veto bill

  UPDATED AT 5:55 p.m. with comment from Stroger lobbyist ; Originally posted by Monique Garcia at 11:26 a.m. Gov. Pat Quinn today signed into law a measure making it easier for Cook County commissioners to override County Board President Todd...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 07, 2009, 11:28am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Hoffman proposes financial plan, but shot at rival misfires

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 8:02 p.m. Former Chicago city inspector general David Hoffman today proposed reforms of the financial industry, including creation of a consumer watchdog agency and curbs on interest rates. But he misfired when he used that...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 06, 2009, 8:03pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn gets backing from former Blagojevich allies

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 12:12 p.m. Gov. Pat Quinn got the endorsement today of several North Side Democratic leaders who once hailed and later feuded with his running mate and predecessor, Rod Blagojevich. Among those supporting Quinn's bid for...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 06, 2009, 12:14pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Chicago police look again at changing patrol beats

  UPDATED at 3:35 p.m. Originally posted by John Byrne at 12:00 p.m. Police Superintendent Jody Weis told aldermen today he's "extremely nervous" that large numbers of police officers will retire from the already undermanned department over the next year. In...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 06, 2009, 12:00pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Friday's Illinois political docket: Crimefighting focus of council budget hearing

  Here's a quick look at the Illinois political docket for Friday. * Crime fighting is on the menu today as the City Council continues hearings on Mayor Richard Daley's proposed 2010 budget. Amid a spate of violence against Chicago school...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 06, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Republican governor candidates bash the Democrats

  Posted by Rick Pearson and Monique Garcia at 9:12 p.m. The seven men vying for the Republican nomination for governor sought to burnish their credentials as conservatives Thursday and bashed the state’s unfettered one-party Democratic leadership as they tried to...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 05, 2009, 9:13pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Maxwell Street complaints surface at city budget hearing

  Posted by John Byrne at 8:13 p.m. City officials pledged today to deal with complaints by some vendors at the Maxwell Street Market who say they have been harassed by city contractors managing the outdoor market south of the Loop....

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 05, 2009, 8:13pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Chicago mental health clinics under pressure

  Posted by John Byrne and Hal Dardick at 7:20 p.m. Chicago’s mental health budget will shrink next year amid continued billing problems that resulted in a state funding cut, prompting aldermen today to question how much care the city’s clinics...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 05, 2009, 7:21pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Kirk's request for Palin help is Democratic fodder in Senate race

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 5:40 p.m. Republican Rep. Mark Kirk created a stir by asking for help from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in his bid for the party's U.S. Senate nomination on Feb. 2. Now that quest for...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 05, 2009, 5:44pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Thursday Illinois political docket: Republican governor candidates debate, Madigan in D.C. on gay rights

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's going on in Illinois politics Thursday: *Republican governor candidates will debate at 6:30 p.m. tonight at a downtown hotel. The forum is being put on by the Illinois Republican...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 05, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Cook County Board signs off on transfer of 176 acres at Oak Forest Hospital to forest preserve district

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 5:50 p.m. The Cook County Board today approved the transfer of 176 acres at the south suburban Oak Forest Hospital campus to the Forest Preserve District, in part to repay a debt. The forest preserve...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 5:52pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• City inspector general sues Daley administration over refusal to release documents

  Posted by Todd Lighty at 4:25 p.m. The city watchdog agency charged with rooting out City Hall corruption today sued Mayor Richard Daley’s administration for allegedly thwarting an investigation into possible wrongdoing by current and former employees. The Inspector General’s...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 4:26pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Senate candidate Mark Kirk sought Sarah Palin's backing when she's in town to appear on 'Oprah Winfrey Show'

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 4:20 p.m.; last updated at 5:20 with Hoffman, Hughes comments U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk asked a national Republican power broker to secure an endorsement by conservative former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin when she hits...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 4:19pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Daley's culture point person defends dropping Venetian Night: People care more about intimate atmosphere than fireworks

  Posted by John Byrne at 1:50 p.m. Mayor Richard Daley's point person on culture said today that she plans to focus on more intimate free events next year to cut costs --- and besides, people don't really care that much...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 1:53pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• New Illinois Republican chairman wants to lay down law on attack ads

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 12:57 p.m. Illinois Republican Chairman Pat Brady said today that he and top party officials will call out the party's primary candidates if they believe negative advertising has “crossed the line.” Speaking on a conference...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 12:57pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Wednesday Illinois political docket: Quinn attends D.C. fundraiser, plans for old Cook County Hospital

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's going on in Illinois politics on Wednesday: *Gov. Pat Quinn is in Washington, meeting with the Illinois delegation, appearing with Democratic Rep. Bill Foster of Geneva and attending a...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• National Democrats, FOX News team up on Mark Kirk criticisms

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 4:01 p.m. In a highly unlikely pairing, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee joined with FOX News today to promote criticisms of Republican U.S. Senate contender Mark Kirk made by a GOP candidate who dropped out...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 3:46pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Quinn skips transit meeting to head to D.C.

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 3:45 p.m.; last updated at 6:20 p.m. with Quinn's D.C. fundraiser Last week, Gov. Pat Quinn said he told Chicago-area public transit officials he'd meet with them this week to discuss their precarious financial situation....

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 3:44pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Library gives River North book pick up center a trial run

  Posted by John Byrne at 3:25 p.m. Seeking to offer River North residents a way to more easily pick up books they've ordered, a Chicago Public Library reading room is now open in the Water Works building on North Michigan...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 3:25pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Jim Ryan to WGN: I bring a 'fresh perspective' after seven years on sidelines

  Posted by Rick Pearson and Ray Long at 10:40 a.m.; updated at 3:12 p.m. SPRINGFIELD --- Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan kicked off his comeback as a Republican candidate for governor today, saying he would cut spending, refuse to...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:38am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Dethroned Ald. Ted Matlak tries for comeback on Cook County Board

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 8:47 p.m. The race to succeed Democratic Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, a self-styled reformer from the city’s North Side, could be the highest-profile contest among the 17 board seats. State Rep. John Fritchey filed...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 8:47pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• African-American firms see share of city contract dip slightly

  Posted by John Byrne at 7:10 p.m. Black-owned firms have seen their share of contracts awarded by the city fall slightly this year, officials said today. Through the end of September, city departments had awarded $117.8 million in contracts to...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 7:10pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Todd Stroger files for re-election: 'I feel like 150 pounds of dynamite'

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 5:35 p.m. Cook County Board President Todd Stroger late this afternoon filed his paperwork to run for for re-election. By waiting until just before the filing deadline, Stroger secured the last position on the ballot,...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 5:34pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Hynes calls for probe into why top Quinn aide resigned

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 5:14 p.m.; last updated at 6:25 p.m. Democratic governor candidate Dan Hynes today called for an investigation into why a top aide to Gov. Pat Quinn resigned late last week. Carolyn Brown Hodge, Quinn's deputy...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 5:13pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Republican Mark Kirk: It'll be me vs. Democrat Alexi Giannoulias for U.S. Senate next year

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 3:53 p.m. North Shore Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk said today that he expects he and first-term Democratic state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias will face off a year from now in the general election for U.S....

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 3:53pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Sen. Roland Burris sends mixed message on federal health care reform stance

  Posted by Hal Dardick at 1:10 p.m. Appointed Democratic U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has gained some publicity inside the Washington “beltway” for saying he won’t vote for a health care reform bill that doesn’t contain the so-called public option requiring...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 1:08pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• Monday Illinois political docket: Jim Ryan comeback begins, Roland Burris health care speech

  Posted by Tribune staff at 5 a.m. A look at what's going on in Illinois politics Monday: *Jim Ryan, the former Illinois attorney general, formally starts his political comeback attempt. Aides said Sunday that the campaign will be filing today...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Newsdesk

• Jim Ryan tries to avenge governor's loss to Rod Blagojevich in comeback attempt

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 5:15 p.m. Former Illinois Atty. Gen. Jim Ryan, who lost to Democrat Rod Blagojevich in the 2002 governor's race, will be attempting a political comeback by filing petitions to seek next year’s Republican governor nomination,...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 01, 2009, 5:14pm EST
  by Newsdesk

• New Quinn TV ad says foe 'hitting a spa' during budget crisis

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 4:45 p.m. The race for the Democratic nomination for governor got more combative today as Gov. Pat Quinn launched a TV ad accusing Comptroller Dan Hynes of skipping out during the state’s budget mess and...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 31, 2009, 4:47pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Daley defends not raiding special taxing district money to balance budget

  Posted by John Byrne at 4:15 p.m. Mayor Richard Daley today defended the city’s reliance on special taxing districts to pay for building and renovation projects and said his administration will do a better job educating the public on the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 31, 2009, 4:15pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Congressman Danny Davis hedges on Cook County Board contest

  Posted by John Byrne at 2:35 p.m. After months of saying he is likely to run for Cook County Board president, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis hedged his bets today by indicating he'll file paperwork that will preserve his option to...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 31, 2009, 2:45pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• No deal to cut seniors' free rides on buses and trains

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 12:14 p.m. SPRINGFIELD--A proposal to cut free bus and train rides for seniors crashed and burned today in the statehouse. Lawmakers say they will not move forward with plans to scale back the freebies amid...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 30, 2009, 12:14pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Post-Blagojevich campaign cash limits sent to Gov. Quinn

  Last updated at 6:27 p.m. with Quinn comments And now with How They Voted The Illinois Senate today sent Gov. Pat Quinn a new compromise measure to provide the state's first-ever sweeping restrictions on campaign fundraising. After lawmakers adjourned, Quinn...

  
  

  ' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 30, 2009, 11:03am EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Deadline looms, House approves campaign finance bill

  Posted by Ray Long and Monique Garcia at 10:19 p.m. With time running out, the Illinois House late tonight approved a measure that for the first time would put major restrictions on how politicians pay for their campaigns in the...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 29, 2009, 10:19pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• City clerk calls for permit parking review, singles out suburban Cubs fans

  Posted by John Byrne at 7:10 p.m. City Clerk Miguel del Valle wants aldermen to review permit parking in Chicago, saying Thursday that the ever-expanding patchwork of residential zones has become frustratingly complicated and difficult to administer. "People have a...

  
  

  " [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:09pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Governor gets bill to require prison time for gang members with guns

  Posted by Monique Garcia at 5:42 p.m. The Illinois Senate today sent Gov. Pat Quinn a bill that would require prison time for gang members caught on the streets with a loaded weapon, a measure pushed hard by Cook County...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 29, 2009, 5:44pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Hoffman goes to White House on Senate bid

  Posted by Rick Pearson at 4:55 p.m. Democratic U.S. Senate contender David Hoffman met today with White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod to discuss Illinois’ Feb. 2 primary contest, the second such meeting between a candidate and officials in Barack...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 29, 2009, 4:57pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Lawmakers send measure to governor to weaken Todd Stroger veto power

  Posted by Ray Long at 4:49 p.m. SPRINGFIELD --- The Illinois Senate today sent the governor a bill that would make it easier to override the veto power of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. That's been a key issue...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 29, 2009, 4:49pm EDT
  by Newsdesk

• Gov. Pat Quinn: CTA, Metra must not raise fares in return for state help

  Updated at 10:45 p.m. by Monique Garcia and Ray Long: free-ride bill stalls. Originally posted by Monique Garcia and Ray Long at 1:42 p.m. SPRINGFIELD--A proposal to scale back free bus and train rides for seniors stalled tonight amid concerns...

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: October 29, 2009, 1:41pm EDT
  by Newsdesk